Bright Ideas # 63 - five lessons from dancing with the stars

Well, January has just gone by way too fast and I can’t believe its February already. Even all the new TV shows have started.
Now, I’m not much of a TV watcher (it’s always been my belief that TV is both a time and brain-sucking device), but I have to admit I’ve gotten hooked on a few of the reality competition shows.

American Idol is one of my guilty pleasures, and I love both of the dancing shows. You see, I was a semi-professional dancer for many years, although I didn’t start dancing until I was 20. So I went through my share of struggles while learning how to move my body at an age when most dancer’s careers are already in full swing.

I can really relate to just how hard it is to do what they do—especially on Dancing with the Stars. But I had never thought about how a show like this could offer insights into running and growing a successful business. At least until I read the fun, fabulous and timely article I’m going to share with you today…

Enjoy!

5 Lessons from Dancing with the Stars
By Linda Hollander

I was absolutely hooked on Dancing with the Stars. I loved the old-fashioned competition, the backstage stories, and getting a glimpse into the heart and soul of the competitors.

My husband got me into ballroom dancing and it took me 8 weeks to learn a Tango for our wedding. These celebrities got only get 4 days to learn each new dance.

What happens when you take people who are used to being leaders and throw them onto the dance floor, teaching them demanding routines, compelling them to memorize tricky patterns, and forcing their bodies to move in ways they have never moved before? Do they rise to the occasion or do they quit?

Dance competitions are similar to the daily challenges of running your business. How can the lessons from Dancing with the Stars be applied to your business?

1. BE TEACHABLE

One of my favorite sayings is that “School is never out for the pros”. In your business, you need to be constantly learning and growing.

The winner of Dancing with the Stars, Emmitt Smith, was the most teachable competitor. As a football player, Emmitt has been working with sports coaches ever since he was a child. In the practice sessions, you could see that he listened and followed the advice of his dance teacher, rather than bickering with her.

2. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Most people stay in their comfort zones because they don’t want to risk failure. They become familiar with the routine. But nothing much happens when you’re in your comfort zone. Keep challenging yourself. Take risks and try new things.

All of the competitors in Dancing with the Stars risked failure and humiliation. On the very first night, political pundit, Tucker Carlson, did half of his dance sitting in a chair. Poor guy! He is still living that down. But all the stars, even Tucker, say that Dancing with the Stars will be one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.

3. SELL IT!

Even though he was the oldest dancer, Jerry Springer strutted around the stage in a puffy shirt shaking his maracas. Whether you’re building your business or dancing, play full out and highlight your assets. One of your most important business skills is the ability to sell. The best performers also know how to “sell the performance”, so that what they lack in technique, they make up for in entertainment value.

4. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE

Keep focused on your goals and give those goals purpose. Mario Lopez was my favorite dancer. He looked really professional and you could just live in those dimples. He really wanted to win the prize because he wanted make his mom proud.

5. CONQUER YOUR FEARS

Each of the contestants on Dancing with the Stars felt terrified before coming out on stage. But they found a way to feel the fear and do it anyway. Whether you’re performing or doing an important sales presentation for your business, find a way to get into the zone. Then turn your fear into excitement.
___________________________________________

Linda Hollander, the Wealthy Bag Lady, is the author of Bags to Riches and the
Founder of the Women's Small Business Expo
http://www.WealthyBagLady.com

©2002-2006 Success Stream. All Rights Reserved. www.success-stream.com

Do you have a marketing, advertising or writing question you’d like to have answered? Email me and you might see the answer in a future edition of Bright Ideas.

Was this info useful?
=======================
If so, feel fr*ee to share it with your own list, post it on your site, post it on your blog, or add it to your auto responder. Just make sure you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article.
And, you must include this at the end of the article:

©2002-2006 Success Stream. All Rights Reserved. www.success-stream.com

Please notify me at stacy@success-stream.com when my article is used, whether online or off. Thanks!